The Kansas State Capitol building is the only US Capitol where the visitors can go to the top of the dome and walk along the outside for amazing views of Topeka. Standing at 304 feet tall, it is taller than the United States Capitol dome by 16 feet. The building was completed in 1903 after 37 years of construction. The bronze statue of the Kansa warrior, Ad Astra, was placed on the top of the dome in 2002.
Dome Tours
The unforgettable dome tour, given by the Kansas State Historical Society, is not for the faint of heart. Climb the 296 steps to the top over a series of narrow, spiral, and irregularly spaced stairs and landings. Get close up views of the interior and exterior domes. You definitely earn bragging rights by reaching the cupola!
Know before you go:
- Reservations are not required for groups of 10 or fewer.
- Cost is free during scheduled times.
- Tours last approximately 40 minutes.
- Anyone with heart, back, or knee issues or with fear of heights should not participate in the tour.
- Tours are scheduled hourly from 9:15 to 3:15, Monday through Friday, and 10:15 to 3:15 on Saturdays.
Historic Tours
There are also Historic Tours given of the rest of the building— a great way to get some Kansas history as well as stay a little closer to the ground. You’ll see the murals on the first and second floor and view the dome murals from the fifth floor. The spectacular Senate Chamber in the east wing and Representative Hall in the west wing are important tour stops. The ornate Old Kansas Supreme Court in the south wing and State Library of Kansas in the north wing are equally impressive.
- Tours are given hourly, Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 3:00.
- The tour is free, but reservations are recommended, especially in the summer.
Kansas State Capitol
8th Avenue
Between Harrison / Van Buren
Topeka, KS 66612
